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Charles Leclerc targets third Ferrari win at Monza as Hamilton seeks first podium

Originally posted on HITC | By David Comerford | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 8:12 AM ET

Charles Leclerc returns to Monza hoping for more Ferrari glory, while Lewis Hamilton prepares for his first race at the track in red

Charles Leclerc is heading into the weekend looking for his third win at Monza as a Ferrari driver, while Lewis Hamilton prepares to make his first Italian Grand Prix appearance for the Scuderia.

Leclerc’s first win at Monza came during his debut season with Ferrari back in 2019. He held off both Mercedes drivers, ending a nine-year wait for the Tifosi.

Last year’s victory was another surprise. After McLaren locked out the front row in qualifying, Leclerc used a smart one-stop strategy to get past Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris and deliver another memorable moment.

Hamilton hasn’t yet found that kind of success in terms of wins or podiums since joining Ferrari. But even he has admitted that he didn’t expect the move to have such an impact.

Natalie Pinkham notices bigger crowd reaction for Lewis Hamilton at Italian Grand Prix

Before the first practice session, both Leclerc and Hamilton made their way from the Ferrari garage to the Monza pit wall to greet fans. Natalie Pinkham of Sky Sports was there to take it all in.

According to Pinkham, Hamilton’s appearance drew a louder response from the crowd, which came as a surprise given his inconsistent form and that he’s only been with the team for 15 races.

Photo by Kym Illman/Getty Images

Hamilton will be hoping to earn his first podium at Monza this weekend, though he’ll have to overcome a five-place grid penalty for a yellow-flag infringement at Zandvoort.

Despite his past rivalries with Ferrari drivers like Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel, he is now on equal footing with Michael Schumacher with five wins at Monza.

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“Actually, when we were in the pit lane earlier, the roar for Lewis was louder than [for] Charles,” Pinkham said on The F1 Show.

“I’m going to whisper that so he doesn’t hear me. That was an absolutely incredible response from the Italian fans for Lewis Hamilton.”

Charles Leclerc is facing harsh reality about Ferrari future according to Jacques Villeneuve

Lando Norris scored his maiden Formula 1 win in 2025. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has opened up a massive championship lead after winning 10 of 13 races this season.

McLaren haven’t delivered another step forward like last year and Red Bull appear untouchable again. Leclerc may not have made his mind up yet but time is running out for him to become a world champion before turning 30.

Photo by Mark Sutton – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

No team principal or driver will ever publicly admit it while in contract negotiations or title fights. But Ferrari are growing less hopeful about winning their first title since Kimi Raikkonen did it in 2007 every single year.

The difference between Verstappen and Leclerc is obvious now – one chose ambition while another stuck with loyalty. One has already achieved legendary status while another may never get there if he stays where he is now.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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